(CNN) - President Obama has canceled a trip to Indonesia and Brunei due to the government shutdown, the White House announced Thursday night. Secretary of State John Kerry will lead delegations to both countries instead of the president, the press release said.

Jakarta, Indonesia (CNN) - President Barack Obama is officially shortening his visit to the Indonesian capital because of fears that volcanic ash spewing from Mount Merapi could ground Air Force One, according to administration officials.

White House spokesman Robert Gibbs earlier told reporters aboard Air Force One that officials were closely monitoring the ash cloud and that forecasts show air traffic might again be disrupted. Experts say volcanic ash can wreak havoc on jet engines.